February 14- Abundant Giving and Enthusiastic Serving

February 14, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Exodus Exodus 37:1-38:31; Matthew 28:1-20;
Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. 
 ~Arab Proverb

Exodus 37:1-38:31

Have you ever been involved with a project that you were so into that the time, effort, and cost just didn't matter to you?  When I home schooled my children, I was so focused and so inspired by God to do the task at hand that the enormity of the task rarely overwhelmed me.  God fueled my engine to accomplish the job.

Today as the people of Israel set out to obey God's detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, we see godly zeal as they enthusiastically follow God's plan for the Tabernacle that pictures Christ.

The 2,200 pounds of gold, 7, 545 pounds of silver, and 5, 310 pounds of bronze, not to mention the wood and fabrics represent abundant giving from people, who spent many years in slavery with nothing to their names.  After plundering Egypt, their ability not to cling to their new found wealth is impressive.

Before we leave the Tabernacle, let's take one more look at the symbolism of Christ in the structure and contents:

• The brazen altar-Sacrifices were made here and it pictures Christ on the cross who is our lamb, who was slaughtered and is an eternal sacrifice that causes our sins to be forgiven.
• The laver/washbin- Made of brass (material for ancient mirrors) this washbasin reflects our need to be washed by Christ.  Through him we receive washing and cleansing from sin.
• The golden lampstand- Jesus is the Light of the World, defeating darkness and filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. 
• The Table of Showbread- Jesus is the Bread of Life, our spiritual sustenance.
• The altar of incense- Jesus is our Intercessor and our Prayer for salvation and praise of God.
• The mercy seat- Jesus is our grace and forgiveness. He is where we meet and receive God's mercy.
• The ark of the covenant- Jesus is both God and man.  He is the promise of Salvation, the High Priest, and the fulfillment of the Law. In the safety of this ark, we avoid God's judgment of our personal sins.

What a beautiful picture.  Thank God that the ancient Israelites worked and gave with zeal to provide this picture for all of humanity.

Matthew 28:1-20

Today Matthew concludes his account of Jesus as the King of the Jews.  After Jesus is buried in a borrowed tomb, the faithful women are outside of the tomb as an earthquake occurs.  An angel comes down, rolls away the stone and sits on the stone.  The Roman guards are catatonic with fear.  The angel tells the women not to be afraid because Jesus has been raised from the dead!  The women are frightened, but also filled with joy.

Have you ever been to a funeral?  When you see someone who has passed, the lifeless body offers no hope.  You know that the person you knew is gone from the body in front of you.  Can you imagine having that person come back to life the next day?  What joy!  What wonder!

The women fall at Christ's feet when they see him.  Jesus tells them not to be afraid.  You may want to begin to notice how many times in the Old and New Testament Christ says this to people.  He is always saying, "Fear not." Jesus is the part of the Godhead (trinity) that is approachable.  While the religious leaders are bribing the Roman soldiers to lie about Christ's resurrection, the disciples have gathered at a mountain to see Christ.

Matthew chooses to end his account of the resurrection story with Jesus giving the great commission.  As a King, Jesus commands his subjects to spread the good news about salvation through him to all the nations.  He tells them to baptize people in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  This reference to the Trinity is an important part of understanding Jesus' role in eternity as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The new disciples are to obey the King's commandments. 

The book concludes with one of the most comforting statements in all of history, "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Do you feel Christ's presence in your life?  How does the idea that you will live again after you die change your perspective?  Have you done your part to follow the commands of the King and tell others the good news?

Psalm 34:11-22

The Lord is close to the broken hearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit (Vs. 18)
I love this!

Proverbs 9:9-10

Knowing the Holy One results in understanding.  Did you know that?

What did you see today?  Congratulations on finishing the first book of the New Testament.  I hope you will continue to know the Holy One by reading each day.  You can do this!

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton